mathematics

mathematics

Pi for All

Pi for All

Today is Pi Day, a math holiday started in 1988 honoring the irrational number and mathematical constant at the core of understanding circles. March 14th was selected because of the first three digits of π – but mathematicians, of course, can develop even more finely tuned numeric symmetry. Most casual observers of π Day treat themselves to a piece of their favorite pie and discuss mathematics with their friends. But you’re undoubtedly reading this because you care about research. And the library is eager to help. You might not think of using the library for math studies. After all, if you’re just doing equations and using formulae, what else would you need? But mathematics education benefits from research and scholarly … Continued
Math Questions

Math Questions

This week, we will continue our series on the research needs of the major disciplines taught at IU East with a look at mathematics.  People approach math for numerous reasons – studying historical mathematics or mathematicians, practical math (including solving problems and learning formulas), using math as a ‘language’ for another discipline, such as engineering or one of the sciences, or for researching new or unproven hypotheses.  Studying these disparate elements requires different approaches.  Math is also a diverse field, and the needs and goals of, say, calculus are much different from those of geometry or statistics.  They use a common ‘language’, but their purpose and what each subfield describes are quite distinct.  Some tacks are similar to research performed … Continued